News

Jail for Blackburn man who fled after collision

A BLOOD covered man seen running away from a collision in Accrington Road leaving behind a seriously injured 15-year-old boy has been jailed for four months.

Blackburn magistrates heard the boy had been taken to hospital locally but then taken to Manchester Children’s Hospital with swelling in his head.

The court was also told that one police officer who saw the car being driven by Stephen Hunter seconds before the collision put his speed at 70 mph but the officer who reported on the collision said the other vehicle pulled out on Hunter.

Hunter, 25, of Thornton Close, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified and failing to stop after an accident.

He was jailed for 16 weeks after the court was told he was being recalled on prison licence for an offence of dangerous driving in April 2012.

Catherine Allan, prosecuting, said Hunter was banned as a result of a conviction for dangerous driving and driving while disqualified which had resulted in an 18 months prison sentence.

She said he had bought the car he was driving for £500 just two days before the accident despite being banned from driving.

Miss Allan said the driver of the other vehicle and her passenger were both taken to hospital with neck injuries.

Simon Farnsworth, defending, said although a serious accident had been caused it was not by the defendant.

“The prosecution papers put the blame for the accident on the driver of the VW Beetle,” said Mr Farnsworth.

“It is significant that my client is not charged with driving without due care and attention or dangerous driving.”

He said Hunter had purchased the car with a view to selling it on. He had been let down by a friend who said he would drive it home and had foolishly decided to do it himself.